Easter warning from Fire Brigade

Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) is appealing for the help of the community in stamping out deliberate fire setting and other anti-social behaviours during the Easter school holidays.

NIFRS is encouraging young people in particular to act as ambassadors for their fire and rescue service by educating their friends about the serious consequences of deliberately starting fires, attacking Firefighters or making hoax calls.

Kevin O’Neill, Group Commander, Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) explained, “Over the Easter period last year (30 March – 12 April 2015) firefighters dealt with 395 deliberate fires which included 198 gorse fires. There were seven attacks on firefighters and our Regional Control Centre received 68 hoax calls.

“I am appealing to people to be responsible and to educate their friends and family on the consequences of such activities.